About Granite Countertops

by Jim Ames

While many homeowners wish they had marble decorating their kitchen counters, most families are unable to afford this typically more expensive home improvement material. Instead, when looking for a new way to spice up the appearance of your kitchen, more and more people are discovering the beauty and efficiency of installing granite countertops.

With granite, a variety of different selections are quarried from all over the globe, as there are 2,200 kinds of granite in the world. Most of the granite options that beautify the typical American kitchen often come from Italy, Spain, France, Brazil and the United States.

The kind of granite thickness that enters the residential kitchen is much different than the thickness required for a commercial project. Depending on the kind of look you wish to create in your kitchen, measurements for residential granite countertops usually vary, but most often stay around 2 centimeters (or .75") and 3 centimeters (or 1.25").

When it comes to granite, there are characteristics that separate this material from other solid surfaces. Since granite is a natural stone, it is cut from quarries into large blocks, which are then transformed into slabs, where each block and each slab carry their own individual qualities. In order to enjoy a consistent appearance pertaining to the color and movement of a slab, it is important to purchase materials that have been cut from the same block. This will ensure the fluidity of your countertops.

Some homeowners are interested in granite countertops because they wish to avoid the ugliness that comes with the everyday wear and tear of scratches and stains. Granite is known as one of the hardest materials that a countertop can be made from. Although the occurrence of scratching and staining is uncommon, it is still a possibility. This is why spills should be immediately wiped up and washed away with water.

Another concern regarding granite is the prospect of chipping or cracking. The only time granite is most susceptible to becoming chipped or cracked is when it is being transported from one place to another. Once proper installation has taken place, the conditions are safe enough that chipping is kept at a minimum. If a chip should surface, granite dust and epoxy serves as a suitable repair.

The many different options of granite countertops make creating a versatile kitchen setting quite easy. To ensure the longevity of your granite, it is highly suggested to take good care of it by avoiding cleansers made for bathrooms, grout, tubs, and tile. Abrasive cleansers should also be avoided. Once granite countertops have been placed in your home, you may step back and take a deep sigh of relief, as the appeal and heightened allure of your kitchen comes to life.